The Susan Boyle Phenomena

Susan's Makeover

Susan's Defining Moment

I first got the news from Twitter, and i jumped to the site where a YouTube video entitled "A Star is Born" was waiting to be 'clicked'. There she was, a modestly dressed lady, looking like a school teacher and not at all the 'star material' which we know huge talent shows are looking for. The three judges of "Britain's Got Talent", including acid tongue Simon Cowell (Is he all over?), as the rest of her audience were obviously skeptical of the 47 year old constestant, During that evening's pre show interview she uttered somewhat nervously, her fignting words by teasing, she would rock the crowd, Well, Susan Boyle didn't just do that, she sang the haunting song from the play Le Miserables, "I Dreamed a Dream" and amazed millions of us and managed to make us cry. Like a miracle, she went from obscurity to celebrityhood, overnight. So it seems. As of last count, her viral videos have been watched by 45 million viewers and it's just all begun for her.

What is it about a simple and wholesome human being like Susan Boyle, placed in a stage, suddenly becomes a phenomena and the whole world stops to listen and celebrate?

Susan Boyle epitomizes everything Hollywood tells us, we CAN'T be. The business of beauty and fame, what Hollywood promotes to the world, it's standard for success which is youth, a beautiful wrinkle or blemish free face, a small waistline, long legs and who cares about talent! The music industry now has the capability of "fixing" minor(?) imperfections in tone or key. Music of this generation has become all mechanics, computerization and even live performances have been known to be lipsynced. Susan Boyle has been the brunt of jokes, bullied and ridiculed in her lifetime because of her looks. We are all victims of this stereotype and are all guilty of judging people the same way. BUT deep inside, we are all Susan Boyles. We are all praying and believing that our uniqueness, our talents and our gifts will be recognized beyond our imperfections. Thus we celebrate Susan Boyle. her dream, her determination and her much deserved success.

Comments

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AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

9 years agofrom Hawaii

I'm glad you are a Susan Boyle fan as well. She is so unique indeed. You have good taste for music.

BeiYin

9 years agofrom Ibiza Spain

It is not just her voice, it is her energy. She is herself and authentic, that makes her unique in the crowd of 'make up artists' that fulfill the Hollywood images, but that makes artists to artificial fake figures even though they might be good artists... I hope for Susan that she will keep herself and not fall into the trap of success and money... She is such an acceptation and she can transmit something that even better singer can't give.

When I feel down from the daily work, then I listen to Pavarotti or to Susan Boyle and then all misery feelings are gone!

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

9 years agofrom Hawaii

Thanks too Pinkhawk! Susan is indeed incredible, which is why i dedicated a hub for her.

pinkhawk

9 years agofrom Pearl of the Orient

...she's incredibly awesome! never ever judge and underestimate a person... when i first heard her, wow!- a soul satisfying voice..it's really great! :).... thank you for sharing this hub ma'am... :)

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

10 years agofrom Hawaii

Thanks frogyfish! Let's wish Susan well, esp with her health.

frogyfish

10 years agofrom Central United States of America

Just completely wonderful, and I support your words/ideas fully! Thank you and blessings to you.......and to Susan Boyle also, ok? :-)

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

10 years agofrom Hawaii

Nazishnasim: Susan made a huge statement so dumbfounding, we seem to have all been 'born again'! Touche! Thanks for your input.

nazishnasim

10 years ago

I wanted to create a hub on this topic too but you have done the job so well that I think yours alone is sufficient for the topic. The reaction of everybody to Susan, mirrors stereotypes of the society as a whole. Susan has been a complete anti-thesis to our idea of a perfect, modern day successful singer. And I too, really admire her confidence to step up,meet and baffle the 'acerbic judges' and the 'judgemental crowd' despite her life experiences.

For Susan and for IslandVoice, Touche! :).

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

10 years agofrom Hawaii

Jackie: Truly!

Jackie

10 years ago

Her voice is just amazing!

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

10 years agofrom Hawaii

Trish:Likewise, i can't wait to buy her record! Thanks for your comment.

Christa:Her voice and her appearance does set her apart. Thanks for your comment.

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

10 years agofrom Hawaii

Darlene:We surely have been inspired not to give up on ourseleves and our dreams by Susan. Thanks for your comment.

Christa Dovel

10 years agofrom The Rocky Mountains, North America

My father-in-law called to tell me of this amazing lady. She has such an amazing voice, and i think she is cute.

trish1048

10 years ago

I adore Susan! I was blown away when I heard her. I so enjoyed watching everyone's reaction, especially the judges. A truly magnificent voice. It was so moving it had me in tears.

I'm definitely purchasing her music. Thanks so much for writing this.

DarleneMarie

10 years agofrom USA

You are so right! I think that's why we like her so much...we are all her in some form. Praying and believing that our uniqueness, our talents and our gifts will be recognized beyond our imperfections.

AUTHOR

Sylvia Van Velzer

10 years agofrom Hawaii

Iphegenia: I tried to post the long version, but YouTube placed some kind of 'restraint' on embedding it. Try clicking the post below where it say's "A Star in Born". Thanks for your comment.

Shalini Kagal: She is amazing and it was hard to resist not giving some kind of tribute to her. Let's keep dreaming!

Shalini Kagal

10 years agofrom India

I'm glad someone wrote about this - isn't she amazing? I think it just reinforces within all of us that we can, if dream and make that dream happen!

Iphigenia

10 years ago

My daughter brought this story to my attention - and what a great one it is. You should post the video here - especially the slightly longer one that shows the audience and judge's reactions to Susan as she walks on-stage and introduces herself. they are sooooooo superior - but then she bowls them right over .....

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